Abstract
THE great earthquake of March 2, that originated near the western edge of the Tuscaroora Deep, was registered by seismographs at the three Hawaiian observatories of Kilauea, Kona and Hilo (Volcano Letter, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, No. 397, March, 1933). As the seismograms showed that the distance of the origin was about 3,950 miles in the direction of Japan, it was clear that the movement might be followed in about 8 ½ hours by seismic sea-waves. Notice was sent to the harbour-masters in the islands that waves might be expected at about 3.30 p.m. (Hawaiian time), and in consequence the fishing-boats were moved out to sea and many of them were no doubt saved by these timely precautions. The waves entered Hilo, on the east side of Hawaii, at 3.36 p.m., and continued to sweep in for about two hours, the greatest range of motion being 2-3 ft. On the west side of Hawaii, the sea-level with the greatest wave fell 8 ft. and rose 9 ½ ft. walls were washed away and boats left in the ports were unmoored and capsized. At Honolulu, the first waves arrived at 2.40 p.m. or about 7h. 40m. after the earthquake occurred in Japan. In 1896, the interval was 7h. 44m., and thus it may be inferred that the foci of the two earthquakes were not far apart.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sea-Waves of the Japanese Earthquake of March 2, 1933. Nature 132, 58 (1933). https://doi.org/10.1038/132058a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/132058a0